Dr. James S Clark-Schoeb

I cannot say enough great things about my experience and overall opinion of NJ Spine Center in Chatham. I have dealt with on and off lower back pain for 35 years. After many shots, meds, physical therapy and chiropractic over the years that did help, albeit temporarily, I finally was introduced to this group when I was at my worst. I had been experiencing crippling sciatic pain that had been progressively getting worse for over the course of a month. I was unable to stand up straight, completely hunched over and finally was unable to work. The pain was mind numbing. My quality of life was suffering. I finally made an appointment with Dr. Scott Clark-Schoeb and I’m glad I did. After an initial visit with him and X-rays I already knew that I had found the right place and was in good hands. He ordered an MRI which I had done 5 days later and I saw him again in six days which was great considering his busy schedule. He went over the images with me and my wife very thoroughly and described in detail which surgical procedures he recommended. He even pointed out a few interpretation errors in the MRI report (which I have learned is quite common). After that and seeing again the tremendous pain I was in he decided to fast track me for surgery. I was admitted the very next day at Morristown Medical Center, assigned a private room and had all of the pre-surgical testing done. My surgery was the following afternoon. He performed a Laminectomy and Discectomy on levels L1-L4 for my spinal stenosis and disc herniations. The procedure took just under 3 hours. At some point between the recovery room and returning to my room I realized that my sciatic pain was gone! 8 weeks later and still no sciatic pain. (Walking is the key to recovery). I feel great and only have occasional soreness and/or stiffness from time to time at night after a long day at work. I spent 3 nights post-op at Morristown until I cleared physical therapy and had acceptable surgical drainage levels. The nurses and staff at Morristown were amazing. Dr. Schoeb paid me a visit each morning to check on my progress. He is by far one of the most personable and professional physicians/surgeons I have ever met. I highly recommend him, his staff and assistants at the New Jersey Spine Center.

Dr. Schoeb's confidence and friendly bedside manner helped me decide to undergo spine surgery. My decision was rewarded by his competence - my back pain is gone and all is well. I feel like a new man!

Dr. Schoeb gave me quality of life back. I lost my 19 year old daughter almost 3 years ago as of November. When I lost her my health deteriorated and my back and legs were in soo much pain for a little over a year and a half Many days I couldn't walk and I've been jogging most of my life and not being able to do that was really hard to accept.. I made an appointment and 3 weeks later I had a fusion surgery..truth the recovery was hard but now I'm back to jogging 3 to 4 miles a day and feel absolutely no pain. My surgery was in December 2020 and I've been exercising since march 2021. I would recommend dr. Schoeb 100%

I saw Dr Schoeb 10 years ago for lifelong chronic spinal pain and frequent inability to walk. He ordered and mri and X-rays. After he evaluated the tests, he replied “you have the spine of a 25 yr old. There is nothing wrong with you”. I was 39. I insisted that there was a problem, once again trying to explain how I felt. He said, “I see people with real problems, like car accidents”. I broke down in tears. The condescension was deafening. He actually told me to leave. At that point he sent me across the hall to his pain management specialist. This is where they decided I had a mental, not physical issue and suggested prescribing dangerous antidepressants and pain shots. They also gave me a drug for disease I didn’t have. I refused and left to never come back. Fast forward 10 years. 10 years of worsening symptoms, complications, lost wages, lost help, lost hope...I felt pretty mental after that kind of treatment. Anyway, I recently received the diagnosis of a hereditary spinal disease that causes severe pain and damage. It can kill you. So I ordered up a copy of Dr Schoeb’s MRI ffrom 10 years ago. Wouldn’t you know? The doctor who compiled the report, listed my disease RIGHT ON THE MRI! including 6 places in my spine that were suffering complications and degeneration from it. They were classified as “mild” at the time. Now the disease has progressed to “severe” and a new MRI reveals irreversible and debilitating damage. Don’t ever let doctors tell you that you don’t know what you’re talking about. It’s unacceptable to dismiss patients with this kind of treatment and language. I admit, there is no cure, but telling me “there’s nothing wrong with you” and “it’s in your head” and “I see people with real problems” is arguable malpractice. Especially when he had the clinical report in his face.

No matter how great a review you read about Dr. Schoeb, and they will all be true, do not under any circumstances use him. His office staff is beyond horrible and it is his practice and hence he is responsible for those he hires to run it. His office manager is rude and unempathetic. I called numerous times trying to get a desperately needed prescription from my pain dr in the practice, a medical accommodations note for my employer after my back went out, my medical records and a call back from Dr. Schoeb. left a message expressing my frustration and the manager called me back, said she didn't know why the dr didn't get back to me with the pain meds but maybe it was my personality! She then said the employer letter would be sent out that day. t was not and when it finally went out 4 days later, it contained none of what was discussed and agreed upon. Messages don't get to doctors or PAs. Overall it's a nightmare

I had been in extreme pain for months and nothing was helping. After meeting with Dr. Schoeb, he assured me that surgery really was my only option (true), and got me in within a couple of weeks. He was kind and warm, and actually listened to me. He's amazing and it's the best decision I ever made!

I was suffering from a severely herniated lumbar disc and nothing had helped (physical therapy, injections, pain management and waiting it out). After Dr. Clark-Schoeb saw my MRI, he immediately told me what other orthopedists had been reluctant to say: "We need to get you into surgery as soon as possible." The surgery had no complications and I had immediate relief; I was able to walk out of the surgical center the same morning and was back to normal almost immediately. Now, almost a year later, I am still pain free, active, and couldn't be happier.

Dr. Schoeb was great. I went in with 2 herniated discs and radiculopathy on my left side. He gave me options. I chose surgery as this was my 3rd or 4th flare up and I needed a permanent solution. Surgery went well. Recovery was fine. Now one year post op and I am cleared. Can’t thank Dr. Schoeb enough for giving me my life back.

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Everything about my interactions with Dr Schoeb was excellent. I'd been dealing with low back pain for years, which became debilitating in the past 6 months. Dr Schoeb planned a laminectomy, and thought he'd need to fuse the vertebrae, but wanted to decide during surgery. He actually decided during the surgery not to do the fusion, did the laminectomy and took care of some other complications. Pain in my leg has been eliminated, and the back continues to improve almost daily. He is personable, took his time with my wife and me, explained everything. His staff were all great. And it's the most punctual doctor's office I've ever been in, I was in the exam room within minutes of my scheduled appointment, and in most cases ahead of schedule. I HIGHLY recommend Dr Schoeb!

I had severe stenosis in four of my lumbar vertebrae and one vertebra was out of line with the others. I was walking bent over and my right leg would become totally numb after standing for a couple of minutes. Steroid shots in my spine didn’t give any relief. Dr. Schoeb assisted by Dr. Alapatt did a laminectomy on the four vertebrae and a fusion to put the one back in line. Not 24 hours after surgery, I was out of bed and walking without any pain (except for the incision). Three weeks after surgery, I am able to go on my three-mile walks without having any pain or numbness. I highly recommend these two surgeons if you are having problems with your spine. Do be prepared to have your surgery date rescheduled if there is a patient that needs priority. That did happen for me but the surgeons were able to fit me in as close to my original date as possible.

Had a 100% successful microdiscechtomy by Dr. Schoeb, who was pleasant and professional from start to finish. Highly recommend this experienced and dedicated surgeon for any spinal procedures in the NJ/NY area!

Dr. Schoeb of New Jersey Spine Center performed ACDF surgery on me April 18th 2018 He removed and replaced the disk between c6-c7 of the cervical part of my spine He fully addressed my concerns. The operation was very successful I am fully recovered from my pain.

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What an amazing Doctor! About 2 months ago I woke up with a stiff neck. Day by day the pain got significantly worst. I went to NJ Spine Center and received X-rays and an MRI. It was revealed that I had a severe herniated disk practically pushing against my spinal cord. I was recommend to see Dr. Schoed. From the start he treated me like I was family and took his time to explain everything to me. He preformed an emergency corpectomy C4-C6. His bedside manner was top notch! He is truly the best

From my first appointment I knew Dr Schoeb was the right doctor to perform my surgery. Dr Schoeb performed laminectomy surgery and the removal of a spinal cyst. I was sent home the same day and am now free from the shooting pain down my leg. I highly recommend Dr Schoeb as he's experienced, professional, friendly and inclusive. Thank you, Dr Schoeb and team!

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The absolute worst. Since I was sent in by workers compensation. He was obnoxious as soon as he walked in the room. Lectured me on being out of on worker's compensation for so long. He only cared about getting me back to work and the time I was out. Told me that my back was fine and didn't see a me herniated disk. Even though multiple other Dr.'s told me they did. Which leaves me to believe that he is either incompetent, or not being honest. From his demeanor I'm leaning to the second.

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Dr. Schoeb of New Jersey Spine Center performed ACDF surgery on me over a year ago. He removed and replaced the disk between c6-c7 of the cervical part of my spine. Dr. Schoeb is an outstanding surgeon who is caring and thoughtful. He fully addressed my concerns. The operation was very successful and I am fully recovered from my pain and related issues. The staff at New Jersey Spine Center is excellent. They are friendly, knowledgeable, and helping in dealing with my needs.

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Told me nothing was wrong with my back and when i told him the pain was unbearable he said i could see pain management if i wanted. I did not go with the pain management doctor in the practice. The new doctor told me i have 5 herniated discs and since i had previous surgery and a complicated back, Schoeb probably did not want to do the surgery. Not really impressed. He did something similar to my friend with 4 herniated discs.

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I was introduced to Dr Schoeb via Dr Gerstman. I was suffering from a severe herniated disc episode; intolerable pain/discomfort. Injection (via Dr Gertstman) did not alleviate pain/discomfort. My first apptment with Dr Schoeb was on a Monday morning and on my request, he scheduled surgery (Microdiscectomy) later that day. Surgery was successful, with pain/discomfort alleviated immediately. I am very appreciative of the efforts of Dr Schoeb and would highly recommend him to others.

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No bedside manner. No compassion for patients. Very abrupt. One of the worst physicians we have ever experienced.

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Dr. Schoeb is a wonderful doctor. Four years ago, I herniated a disc in the L4/L5 region of my back, but about a month ago, it ruptured. With the severe pain I was in, I was in need of urgent and immediate care. I saw Dr. Schoeb on a Thursday morning, and he scheduled a microdiscectomy for that afternoon. His willingness to perform surgery with such short notice is something that I will never forget. I highly recommend him as a doctor.

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Most ignorant doctor I ever met

DR Schoeb, Along with his team did an excellent job on repairing my lower back, the surgery was on time and went as expected, His staff is very helpful, When you arrive at there office for your appointment , you actually are seen within 20 min or less of your scheduled appointment, I think that's huge in itself, I'm grateful for having my mobility back and PAIN GONE, If you have a unfortunate situation with your back I would recommend DR Schoeb, great at what he does... Kurt Gardenier

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Dr Schoeb treated me and my wife with respect, examined our test data and images carefully with us present, explained his medical recommendations clearly, and answered all our questions clearly and insured that we understood. He quickly gave us confidence in his recommendations and took the most conservative approach. The procedure he performed went as he described and I am very satisfied. I highly recommend him to patients needing help with a spine problem.

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